Stacking tray assembly incorporating any number of vertically displaced tiers for supporting a plurality of loose items, such as in a gift basket arrangement

ABSTRACT

An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for supporting a plurality of loose items includes any plurality of trays, each exhibiting a substantially planar surface across which are interspersed a plurality of recess defining pockets. A height defining spacer insert is engaged between succeeding trays, the insert having a three-dimensional shape with a top and bottom. A first selected tray exhibits upper projecting cylindrical supports for locating and securing bottom perimeter locations associated with the insert. A second of the trays exhibiting at least one downward three-dimensional projection nestingly engaging a recessed top location of the insert, in a height adjustable fashion, and in order to define a specified distance between the recess defining pockets in the trays and in order to support items of different size and configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a tray assembly for supporting a plurality of loose and differently sized items. More specifically, the present invention teaches a plurality of trays, each incorporating a plurality of recess pockets for supporting a designated item and which are capable of being sectioned to a desired planar configuration. One or more height defining spacer inserts interengage upper and lower locations associated with succeeding trays and in order to establish a desired multi-tier arrangement for the assembly. The multi-tiered assembly may be incorporated into a gift basket or other display/storage assembly, as well as being capable of supporting and displaying a plurality of items in unsupported fashion by any other enclosure structure.

2. Description of the Prior Art

An example of a gift basket stacking tray from the prior art is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,608, issued to Salvaggio, and which teaches a generally planar formed and rigid sheet. Arcuately shaped depressions are disposed on the formed sheet and a pair of generally centrally located and integrally formed platforms are disposed above the formed sheet. Additional features associated with the Salvaggio device include perforation lines which traverse the formed sheet between the arcuately displayed depressions and the raised display platforms. The perforated lines allow for flexible removal of sections of the stacking tray so that the tray can accommodate and/or be stacked on top of various sizes and shapes of fruits, bottles, boxes and the like within a gift basket.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses an assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for supporting a plurality of loose items, in particular fruit or the like, and which provides for both secure and multi-tiered support for such items along both horizontal and vertical directions, such that the same may be shipped and/or displayed within a gift basket or other type arrangement without concern for spilling of or damage to the contents, such items include fruit arrangements, as well as other basket designs for small glass bottles, e.g. including those for pasta sauce, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and the like. As will be further described, the present invention makes possible the creation of any configurable and multi-tiered product support assembly, such as for supporting items of different size and shape, and which exhibits both height adjustability as well as tray surface reconfigurability to achieve a desired product support and display environment.

Each of the trays exhibits a substantially planar surface across which are interspersed a plurality of recess defining pockets. The pockets are each typically concave shaped and may include any number of outwardly radially projecting serrated grooves, these functioning to safely grip the item placed within the pocket and to prevent both movement/slippage of the item as well as to assist in absorbing forces (typically associated with transport) which would otherwise tend to damage the items.

A height defining spacer insert is engaged between succeeding trays, the insert having a three-dimensional shape with a top and bottom. The spacer typically defines a continuous extending side perimeter revealing an open bottom.

A first selected tray exhibits upper projecting cylindrical supports for locating and securing bottom perimeter locations associated with the insert. A second of the trays exhibits at least one, typically two, downward three-dimensional projections, these nestingly engaging a recessed top location of the insert.

The insert top recess is usually defined within an upwardly extending superstructure portion, this enabling a further degree of height adjustability associated with the engagement location, and in order to define a specified distance between the recess defining pockets in the trays to support items of different size and configuration. Additional features include the provision of a trim tool to section desired subset areas of one or more of the trays, such as to provide additional space for securing other larger sized items (e.g. pineapples and the like in the instance of an assembled fruit basket configuration).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a first exploded view of the several components comprising the stacking tray assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a second exploded view similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and additionally illustrating a further design variant of tray according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a selected and stackable tray incorporated into the assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a height defining spacer insert positionally engaged upon an upper surface of a selected tray;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view successive to that shown in FIG. 4 and by which an underside of a second tray is supported in vertically displaced fashion atop the spacer insert, it being understood that a plurality of inserts are capable of being alternated with succeeding trays or, alternatively, secured together to increase a given height between successive trays;

FIG. 6 is a pre-engagement side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a post-engagement side view of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a 180° rotated, enlarged and cutaway of the side view shown in FIG. 7 and better illustrating the manner in which the downwardly extending and three-dimensional shaped projections of the upper tray nestingly engage within associated upwardly facing recesses in the lower tray in a height adjustable fashion;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of the spacer insert illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a spacer insert according to a still further preferred variant of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view of selected receiving pockets formed in a given stacking tray and further showing the pluralities of serrated grooves for gripping and restraining the selected item placed in contact therewith, as well as being capable of expanding and contracting due to forces exerted by the product supported thereupon, such as during shipping, and in order to prevent damage to the supported items; and

FIG. 12 is an environmental view of a selected gift basket arrangement incorporating a multi-tier arrangement of stacking trays and spacer inserts according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 12, an arrangement is shown of a gift basket assembly 2 according to the known art and which includes an arrangement of differently sized and shaped items, e.g. apples and oranges 4 and 6, pineapple 8, et seq. One objective of the present invention is the provision of a secure and multi-tiered tray assembly, as will be further described, for the purpose of permitting the transport and display of such gift basket items, as well as any other loose combination items of a standard or varying size.

As will be subsequently explained, the present invention is useful in either or both the secure transport (such as within a corrugated or other box container), or the arrangement and display of any collection of items without limitation. It is also contemplated that a wide variety of loose item applications can be employed with the stacking tray design, such for example including without limitation, glass containers (bottles) arranged within a gift basket such including individual containers for pasta sauce, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first exploded view is illustrated of the several components comprising the stacking tray assembly according to one preferred variant of the present invention. The arrangement includes a first tray configuration 10, spacer insert 12, second tray configuration 14, as well as subdivided third 16 and fourth 18 tray configurations. A more detailed structural description of each of the trays and inserts will be had upon reference to the several succeeding illustrations.

Referring further to FIG. 2, a second exploded view is shown, similar to that in FIG. 1, and illustrating a further modified tray design 20 in substitution of the insert 12. As will be discussed in detail, the present invention envisions numerous other and varied configurations according to the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an enlarged perspective view is shown of the previously identified tray 10. The tray 10 is typically constructed of a suitable plasticized material, including without limitation a polyethyltetraphthalate (P.E.T.), and which is formed in a thermo/vacuum forming process. It is also envisioned that other suitable forming processes may include, without limitation, stamping or injection molding of the trays.

The tray 10 defines a substantially planar, e.g. typically rectangular, sheet 22 within which are defined a plurality of recess defining pockets 24, 26, 28, et seq., at locations across the face of the sheet 22. The size and arrangement of the pockets 24, 26, and 28 are within the selection of one of skill in the art, however include in the illustrated embodiment a plurality of concave shaped recesses, each of which further including an individual plurality of outwardly radially projecting grooves, these defining projecting serrated edges, see in particular grooves 30, 32, 34 et seq. associated with pocket 24 and which are illustrated as well in use with each succeeding item supporting pocket illustrated throughout the drawings.

FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged partial view of the sheet 10, and in particular of selected receiving pocket 24 and further showing the pluralities of serrated grooves 30, 32, 34, et seq., for gripping and restraining a selected item placed in contact therewith (e.g. the fruit basket items referenced in FIG. 12). The serrated grooves further provide the desired function of being capable of expanding and contracting due to forces exerted by the product supported thereupon, such as during shipping, and in order to prevent damage to the supported items. A further feature provided by the pocket defining grooves is to increase the surface contact area exerted against the item supported upon the pocket, thus assisting in preventing the food item(s) from rotating or displacing relative to the pocket.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the tray 10 further exhibiting, at selected upper surface locations, a first set of locating and engaging portions in the form of a pair cylindrical projecting supports 36 and 38, these engaging with underside locations of the insert 12 as will be described. While a single of pair supports 36 and 38 are determined adequate in many assembly configurations, it is also envisioned that additional pairs of supports (see second pair of supports as shown at 40 and 42 and to complement initial pair 36′ and 38′, according to tray 20 in FIG. 2).

Each of the trays also exhibits, at selected lower surface locations, at least one additional locating and engaging portion for securing a top of the insert 12, and in order to define a specified distance between recess defining pockets in succeeding stacked trays. In particular, the second locating and engaging portions further include one or a pair of three-dimensional shaped projections (typically elongated or slotted by definition) integrally formed with a lower surface of the tray, e.g. tray 10, and which are shown at 44 and 46.

A pair of insert configurations are illustrated at 48 (this also illustrated as the inset 12 in FIG. 1) and 50, respectively, in each of FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the insert 48 exhibits a three-dimensional shape and size and is likewise constructed of a thermoformed plastic (or P.E.T.) material. The insert 48 also includes a continuous and perimeter defining side, collectively referenced at 52, and which reveals an open bottom 54.

The sides of the insert 48 include localized and laterally extending projections, see at 56, 58, 60, et seq., these seating over selected cylindrical posts 36 and 38 associated with the tray 10 (or other like configured tray). Additional features of the insert include the provision of a recess associated with its top, see at 62 in FIG. 9, and which nestingly receives a selected three-dimensional projection, see again as shown at 44 in FIG. 3, of the tray 10.

In the preferred arrangement, the insert 48 includes a likewise perimeter defining (e.g. elongated) superstructure 64 for elevating the recess 62 and to permit the insert to be secured in a height adjustable fashion relative to the successive tray underside (as will be further described and illustrated). The insert 50 is a substantial repeat of the insert 48, with the exception that its perimeter defining side includes an enlarged end portion 66 for enabling the insert 50 to locate and grip a total of four cylindrical projecting posts (see again arrangement of tray 20 in FIG. 2) as opposed to only gripping two or three associated posts, as is made possible the insert configurations of 12 and 48. It is still further understood that the height and width of a selected tier establishing insert may be modified within the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an enlarged perspective view is shown of a height defining spacer insert (again such as described at 48 in FIG. 9) positionally engaged upon an upper surface of selected tray 10. FIG. 5 is a perspective view successive to that shown in FIG. 4, and by which an underside of a second tray, e.g. that shown at 14 in FIG. 1, is supported in vertically displaced fashion atop the spacer insert 12 (or 48), it also understood that a plurality of inserts are capable of being alternated with succeeding trays or, alternatively, secured together to increase a given height between successive trays.

FIG. 5 also illustrates the feature of a trim tool 68 or like sectioning implement (e.g. box cutter, other blade device) and which operates to quickly and efficiently remove subset areas of the selected sheet (see removed perimeter defining location 70 in phantom and associated with tray 14). In this fashion, extra large sized items (e.g. pineapple 8 in FIG. 12) may be incorporated into a multi-tiered arrangement as provided by the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a pre-engagement side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 5, and by which a downwardly projecting engaging portion 44′ associated with the tray 14 (this generally replicating that previously illustrated and described at 44 in reference to the tray 10) is positioned overhead of the receiving superstructure 64 of the selected insert 48. FIG. 7 successively illustrates a post-engagement side view of FIG. 5, and by which the trays 10 and 14 are arranged in a vertically displaced and tiered configuration.

Referencing further, FIG. 8, a 180° rotated, enlarged and cutaway of the side view shown in FIG. 7 better illustrates the manner in which the three-dimensional shaped and downwardly extending projections, see again at 44′ of the upper tray 14, nestingly engage within associated upwardly facing recesses, e.g. again as shown at 62, in the lower tray in a height adjustable fashion. By virtue of the vertical adjustability offered by the sizing of the downward projection 44′ and the corresponding upward extending superstructure 64 of the insert, it is possible to adjust the relative height of the successive tiers (or trays) 10 and 14, in order to accommodate items of varying size, and without sacrificing stability both in axial and height extending directions. An advantage of this feature is the ability to save time during assembly and by avoiding the requirement that the loose items (e.g. fruit) all be provided according to a consistent size.

Having described our invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the shaping, configuration and sizing of the item supporting pockets, such as to include other opening or slot shapes, solid concave defining surfaces (see as referenced in sub-tray 18 of FIGS. 1 and 2) may be employed. As also previously stated, the sizing of the inserts, such as to include taller or multiple stackable inserts, is also contemplated. 

1. An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for supporting a plurality of loose items, comprising: at least one tray exhibiting a substantially planar sheet with a plurality of recess defining pockets formed therein; a height defining spacer insert; and a first of said trays further exhibiting, at selected upper surface locations, a first set of locating and engaging portions for securing a bottom of said insert, a second of said trays exhibiting, at selected lower surface locations, at least one additional locating and engaging portion for securing a top of said insert and in order to define a specified distance between said recess defining pockets in said trays.
 2. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said recess defining pockets establishing a selected shape and size and further comprising a plurality of serrated grooves for contacting an item supported thereupon.
 3. The assembly as described in claim 2, said pockets each further comprising a substantially circular concave shape and within which said grooves are formed in outwardly radially projecting fashion.
 4. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said trays further comprising first and second sets of locating and engaging portions associated with each of said upper and lower surfaces.
 5. The assembly as described in claim 1, said first set of locating and engaging portions further comprising a plurality of substantially cylindrical projecting supports integrally formed with upper surface locations of said tray.
 6. The assembly as described in claim 5, said insert further comprising a three-dimensional shape and size and defining an open bottom perimeter sized to engage said cylindrical projecting supports.
 7. The assembly as described in claim 1, said second locating and engaging portions further comprising at least one three-dimensional shaped projection integrally formed with a lower surface of said tray.
 8. The assembly as described in claim 7, said insert further comprising a three-dimensional shape and size and defining a recess associated with said top for nestingly receiving said three-dimensional projection.
 9. The assembly as described in claim 7, said second locating and engaging portions further comprising a pair of elongate and portions formed in said tray.
 10. The assembly as described in claim 8, said insert further comprising a superstructure defined upon said top surface and within which is formed said recess.
 11. The assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising said first and second sets of locating and engaging portions each having a specified shape and size enabling said first and second trays to engage an intermediately positioned insert in a height adjustable fashion.
 12. The assembly as described in claim 6, said insert exhibiting a continuous extending side defining said perimeter and further comprising localized projections for seating associated cylindrical supports.
 13. The assembly as described in claim 5, each of said trays exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising a pair of upwardly projecting cylindrical supports.
 14. The assembly as described in claim 5, each of said trays exhibiting a specified shape and size and further comprising first and second pairs of upwardly projecting cylindrical supports.
 15. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said trays and said spacer insert having a specified shape and size and further comprising a vacuum thermoformed plastic.
 16. The assembly as described in claim 15, each of said trays and said spacer insert being manufactured from a material including at least a polyethyltetraphthalate.
 17. The assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a trim tool for sectioning at least one subset areas associated with a selected tray.
 18. The assembly as described in claim 1, each of said trays and spacer inserts having a specified shape and size and being supporting within a three-dimensional defined enclosure including at least a gift basket interior.
 19. An assembly for establishing a multi-tiered display for supporting a plurality of loose items, comprising: a plurality of trays, each exhibiting a substantially planar surface across which are interspersed a plurality of recess defining pockets; a height defining spacer insert engaged between succeeding trays, said insert further comprising a three-dimensional shape; and a first selected tray exhibiting upper projecting cylindrical supports for locating and securing bottom perimeter locations associated with said insert, a second of said trays exhibiting at least one downward three-dimensional projection nestingly engaging a recessed top location of said insert, in a height adjustable fashion, and in order to define a specified distance between said recess defining pockets in said trays and in order to support items of different size and configuration.
 20. The assembly as described in claim 19, the each of said recess defining pockets establishing a concave shape, within each of which are defined a plurality of outwardly radially extending and serrated grooves for contacting an item supported thereupon and for absorbing forces associated with transport and display of said items. 